For neck pain, which pair of muscles should be included in a flexibility program?

• A. Anterior scalene and middle trapezius
• B. Medial scalene and upper trapezius
• C. Levator scapulae and lower trapezius
• D. Pectoralis major and middle trapezius

Answer: (B)

Neck-pain patterns often involve shortened neck and shoulder muscles, so a flexibility program should target those tight areas. The middle scalene and the upper trapezius are commonly shortened when posture is forward-headed and shoulders are elevated, contributing to restricted cervical motion and persistent pain. Lengthening these two helps reduce muscle tension, improve range of motion, and relieve neural and soft-tissue tension that can perpetuate symptoms. The other pairings mix muscles that are either not as consistently tight in neck pain or include a muscle less directly involved in neck-range limitations, so they are less ideal targets for a neck-focused flexibility routine.